New York Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer
In a significant moment for the New York Islanders, the team announced the selection of Matthew Schaefer as the first overall pick during the NHL Draft held in Los Angeles on Friday. This achievement was particularly poignant for Schaefer, who ironically found himself on the cusp of a celebratory high school graduation. Instead, he spent recent days reflecting on personal loss and giving back to his community.
Community Engagement and Personal Loss
Earlier this month, during the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, Schaefer took time to visit the Western New York Compassion Connection. There, he shared his poignant narrative with youths aged 7 to 17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Tragically, Schaefer has endured considerable sorrow himself; the promising defenseman witnessed the deaths of his billet mother, Emily Matson, due to suicide, and his mom, Jennifer, who succumbed to breast cancer after a valiant two-year battle. Adding to that string of heartbreak, he lost Erie Otters owner Jim Waters unexpectedly in December to a heart attack.
Resilience Through Adversity
The emotional burden of such events, especially at the tender age of 16, could weigh heavily on anyone. However, Schaefer has channeled the strength he observed in his mother through her illness as motivation rather than an obstacle on his path to the NHL.
“My mindset has completely transformed. Seeing my mom smile through her struggles taught me the importance of resilience,”
he expressed in a recent interview. He aims to offer encouragement to young individuals grappling with grief, understanding that shared experiences can significantly aid healing.
“Many choose silence in their hardships. I want to help ease their pain — everything happens for a reason, and these experiences make me stronger. I want to support others facing similar challenges,”
he stated.
Overcoming Challenges on the Ice
Schaefer’s journey to becoming a standout player was not without hurdles. He missed the initial nine games of the season due to mononucleosis and later faced a season-ending injury in December when he broke his clavicle while playing for Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship. Despite these setbacks, he made a notable impact on the ice, contributing seven goals and 22 points in just 17 games with the Erie Otters. His breakout performance arrived during the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, offering a glimpse of his potential with a remarkable six-point showing.
Future Prospects
NHL scouts have taken notice of Schaefer’s skills, with Dan Marr from NHL Central Scouting labeling him as a “complete package” with the potential to become an All-Star. Chris Peters of FloHockey echoed this sentiment, noting Schaefer’s excellent skating and hockey sense despite concerns stemming from his recent injury history. Initially projected as a risk, teams appear willing to overlook this in light of his considerable upside.
Looking Ahead
With his 18th birthday approaching in September, Schaefer is gearing up for his inaugural NHL training camp. He carries with him not only high hopes but also the spirit and memory of his mother, who he believes continues to guide him.
“She’s always with me in spirit. I know she has a front-row seat for every game I play. I feel the need to honor her legacy, and I’m proud to share her story,”
he remarked, reflecting on the profound impact she had on his life, both on and off the rink.
